2021 NFL Draft: Grading all 32 first-round selections
Scouting Report. LB. 16. player. Pick Analysis. Tulsa. Zaven Collins. 32
2021 NFL Draft Grade: B-
The Arizona Cardinals were connected to Zaven Collins a lot in recent days and made the expected pick at No. 16. Collins is a good football player who displays an impressive combination of size and athleticism at the linebacker position. However, this team had larger needs and off-ball linebacker just is not a valuable position in the modern NFL. This pick did not move the needle much for Arizona but Collins will help them on the defensive side of the ball.
player. 28. OL. 17. Alabama. Alex Leatherwood. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis
2021 NFL Draft Grade: D+
The Las Vegas Raiders have needs across their offensive line and Alex Leatherwood is a good football player. That being said, there were a few better offensive linemen available and I like Leatherwood better as a guard at the next level. The Raiders will likely try Leatherwood at right tackle and it may work out, but Christian Darrisaw or Teven Jenkins would have been a much better pick at No. 17.
EDGE. Miami (FL). Jaelan Phillips. player. Pick Analysis. 18. 59. Scouting Report
2021 NFL Draft Grade: A-
There are some medical concerns with Jaelan Phillips and that is likely the only reason that he was available for the Miami Dolphins at No. 18. That being said, he is an extremely talented edge defender who undoubtedly has massive upside at the next level. Phillips is a well-rounded player who can win with power and speed both against the run and as a pass rusher. Brian Flores’ defense undoubtedly got much better with the addition of Phillips on Thursday night.
Pick Analysis. LB. Kentucky. Jamin Davis. player. 58. Scouting Report. 19
2021 NFL Draft Grade: B
Jamin Davis is an extremely athletic linebacker prospect who is undoubtedly going to have a ton of success with the Washington Football Team, especially when we consider how clean that defensive line is going to keep him. Davis displays fantastic range at the linebacker position and is a dynamic playmaker both against the run and in coverage. Davis will shine in Washington because of the situation, but this was likely a bit of a reach.
Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Florida. 20. 31. WR. Kadarius Toney. player
2021 NFL Draft Grade: C-
The New York Giants do get some credit here for trading down and picking up that 2022 first-round pick. That being said, I was not a fan of their selection at No. 20. Kadarius Toney is a dynamic playmaker with the ball in his hands but he is a well-rounded wide receiver prospect. There were wide receivers (Rashod Bateman and Elijah Moore) and defenders (Kwity Paye and Greg Newsome II) who would have made much more sense for this team.